Google Earth terrain maps; contour reliability/accuracy

Bitmap

Posted 02 July 2011 - 11:34 AM

Bitmap

Newbie

New Member

2 posts

Ireland

Hi everyone,
my first post here so I hope this is in the right place.
I was wondering does anyone have information as to how accurate (at maximum magnification level) the contours on the Google terrain maps are and how they are derived?

Charles Syrett

Posted 03 July 2011 - 08:29 AM

Charles Syrett

Ultimate Contributor

Validated Member

540 posts

Canada

Contours are derived from digital data, the accuracy of which varies considerably from one area to another. The accuracy of Google's elevations is just as variable as the accuracy of anything else displayed -- such as air photography (varies as to age and resolution), roads, buildings, etc. -- since it comes from many different sources.

Bitmap

Posted 03 July 2011 - 10:45 AM

Bitmap

Newbie

New Member

2 posts

Ireland

Thanks for the prompt reply
I feared as much
I was hoping that the Google contours could be used to create accurate elevation models for Ireland in 3D modelling applications.
I guess it is back to the tedium of large scale O.S. maps.